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Evading the Shadows : A fictional spy thriller set during the Mahabharata
India. Circa 3100 B.C. As the thirteenth year of their exile dawns, the Pandavs realise a dangerous game unfolding, with hundreds of Kaurav spies trying to hunt them down by exposing their secret identities. Kedipal, one of the Kaurav spies, has stumbled upon a clue that could spell doom for the Pandavs. Duryodhan smells blood. It means a world to him; unquestioned domination for thirteen more years. Pandavs though aren't completely oblivious to the danger looming large. They know that uncovering their identities means another round of exile, as decided during the game of dice. Will the Pandavs be as lucky as they were in the past? Hush! Don't read so loud. Kaurav spies are everywhere. You don't want the Pandavs to get caught, do you? Showcasing a little known segment of the much-chronicled epic with taut, edge-of-the-seat narrative, the action-packed spy thriller intends to draw readers into the amazing universe called Mahabharata.
342 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 5, 2018
Evading the Shadows - Rajesh M Iyer.
How do you over come a heartbreak that one book gives you by going way below your expectations or if it turns totally sad? I usually read another book on the exact same subject hoping that it will bail me out, so far it has worked out pretty well. Last week I read Anand Neelakantan's "Ajaya: Roll of the Dice" and was totally put off by the way he made the entire Kuru clan a huge villain just to make his protagonist "Suyodhan" a hero. It turned me off so badly that I was on the lookout for another book on the same subject (Mytho Fiction) so I could get away from it's sad memory and Rajesh M Iyer came out to my rescue by sending his book "Evading the Shadows" based on the adventurous one year of "Agyaatvas" by Pandav brothers as they place the deadly game of hide and seek with Kaurava's. What a superb read this one turned out, a total cat and mouse chase game. Right from the very first page to the very end, it was able to keep me engaged, thrilled and on the edge of my seat. The best part is that even when I already knew the outcome, it had that magic that for quite a few moments I expected it other way round too. Another reason why this book was able to keep a smile on my face throughout was that I have a weird habit of looking forward to the use of title in the story if it happens to be a unique one as it is in this book's case. I kept reading with a keen eye as how many times he is going to use the word Evade or Evading and he didn't disappoint me by precisely using it (Only) five times :) (just too good).
As I said earlier too quite a few times that Mahabharat and Ramayan are two most loved epics from our part of the world and every-time a new book comes out, it excites me to imagine how and what the Author must have done to make it more exciting for the reader. And with that hope I have read so many books on both that I will be completing a sort of PhD in next coming few months by reading the last of the few books which are highly recommended on the subject that I am yet to read. Now this one straight goes up my recommendation list especially for those who loved the "Mahabharat" in totally new light concentrating on that one year of Agyaatvas :) as Rajesh has turned it into a superb thriller. As Pandav brothers go in hiding in hiding for one year with their wife Draupadi, the game of cate and mouse chase starts. Both the teams have their own set of spies helping them uncover for Kaurava's and keep them in hiding by helping them from Pandava's supporters. Now, with five brothers, one wife and the team of Duryodhan, Shakuni, Dushasan, Karn and Yuyutusu in toes, there are at-least more then half a dozen tracks running parallel to keep the reader totally hooked. The pace of the book was so superb that I actually had a great time keeping up with it. Every para would throw a twist my way and before I could go on with anything else in life, I had to read its repercussions or get a closure before moving on or else I would keep on thinking how they are must have handled the problem?. Very smartly indeed the Author has handled all the episodes from that time period to make them a part of his own retelling. I never expected it to be this superb, although the book is no way short from any angle (350+ pages) but it never feels that long.
Take a bow Rajesh, this is your second book that I have read and I am totally hoping that you are writing more as I post this :) as I will be more than keen to read what you come out next with. For those who haven't read this or his earlier work (Hari and Friends - A Holi Adventure), both the books are terrific read(s) and not to be missed. I am surprised that I never saw any mention of this one specially but I hope it gets its due in due course of time. Oh! and before I forget to mention as you can see from the image that its cover too is simply superb :) as its a bit dark you will have to look closely for the Pandav brothers with Draupadi evading the shadows :).
How do you over come a heartbreak that one book gives you by going way below your expectations or if it turns totally sad? I usually read another book on the exact same subject hoping that it will bail me out, so far it has worked out pretty well. Last week I read Anand Neelakantan's "Ajaya: Roll of the Dice" and was totally put off by the way he made the entire Kuru clan a huge villain just to make his protagonist "Suyodhan" a hero. It turned me off so badly that I was on the lookout for another book on the same subject (Mytho Fiction) so I could get away from it's sad memory and Rajesh M Iyer came out to my rescue by sending his book "Evading the Shadows" based on the adventurous one year of "Agyaatvas" by Pandav brothers as they place the deadly game of hide and seek with Kaurava's. What a superb read this one turned out, a total cat and mouse chase game. Right from the very first page to the very end, it was able to keep me engaged, thrilled and on the edge of my seat. The best part is that even when I already knew the outcome, it had that magic that for quite a few moments I expected it other way round too. Another reason why this book was able to keep a smile on my face throughout was that I have a weird habit of looking forward to the use of title in the story if it happens to be a unique one as it is in this book's case. I kept reading with a keen eye as how many times he is going to use the word Evade or Evading and he didn't disappoint me by precisely using it (Only) five times :) (just too good).
As I said earlier too quite a few times that Mahabharat and Ramayan are two most loved epics from our part of the world and every-time a new book comes out, it excites me to imagine how and what the Author must have done to make it more exciting for the reader. And with that hope I have read so many books on both that I will be completing a sort of PhD in next coming few months by reading the last of the few books which are highly recommended on the subject that I am yet to read. Now this one straight goes up my recommendation list especially for those who loved the "Mahabharat" in totally new light concentrating on that one year of Agyaatvas :) as Rajesh has turned it into a superb thriller. As Pandav brothers go in hiding in hiding for one year with their wife Draupadi, the game of cate and mouse chase starts. Both the teams have their own set of spies helping them uncover for Kaurava's and keep them in hiding by helping them from Pandava's supporters. Now, with five brothers, one wife and the team of Duryodhan, Shakuni, Dushasan, Karn and Yuyutusu in toes, there are at-least more then half a dozen tracks running parallel to keep the reader totally hooked. The pace of the book was so superb that I actually had a great time keeping up with it. Every para would throw a twist my way and before I could go on with anything else in life, I had to read its repercussions or get a closure before moving on or else I would keep on thinking how they are must have handled the problem?. Very smartly indeed the Author has handled all the episodes from that time period to make them a part of his own retelling. I never expected it to be this superb, although the book is no way short from any angle (350+ pages) but it never feels that long.
Take a bow Rajesh, this is your second book that I have read and I am totally hoping that you are writing more as I post this :) as I will be more than keen to read what you come out next with. For those who haven't read this or his earlier work (Hari and Friends - A Holi Adventure), both the books are terrific read(s) and not to be missed. I am surprised that I never saw any mention of this one specially but I hope it gets its due in due course of time. Oh! and before I forget to mention as you can see from the image that its cover too is simply superb :) as its a bit dark you will have to look closely for the Pandav brothers with Draupadi evading the shadows :).
May 31, 2018
The author has woven a good spy thriller into the year long incognito life of Pandava. Without taking too much liberties with the epic story line, Mr. Iyer has written a thriller. Spies chasing the Pandav, their close escapes from being discovered, their ingenuity, aided by a fair amount of luck, in successfully evading the spies chasing them - all ingredients of a modern spy story is cleverly woven into the well known story of the epic.
Good work, Mr. Iyer. And thanks.
Just a stray thought - I doubt if people who are not familiar with the epic will be able to enjoy it.
Good work, Mr. Iyer. And thanks.
Just a stray thought - I doubt if people who are not familiar with the epic will be able to enjoy it.
April 10, 2018
Fairly well written thriller. Keeps you engrossed till the end.
December 13, 2020
This is an interesting story! The author has taken a fairly familiar episode of the grand epic Mahabharata and has filled the gaps with his own imagination to present an engaging thriller. After losing a game of dice at the hands of their cousins, the Kauravas, the five Pandava brothers and their wife Draupadi are forced to spend twelve years in the jungles and the thirteenth year incognito. Evading the Shadows is the account of the incognito year, or the Agyatvas. The Kauravas want to identify the Pandavas before the year ends, in which case the entire cycle of exile has to be repeated. The Pandavas want to successfully finish the exile and claim their rightful kingdom.
Though the story is very popular, it occupies a very small portion of the epic and any effort in detailing it out will be a welcome one. The author does exactly that with this novel. Keeping the major events unchanged, he fleshes out each of those events with his own set of spies working for either side chasing each other in their effort to make their masters succeed in their respective quests. He also recounts some important episodes from the epic, some well known and some obscure, through flashbacks.
I found it a breezy read, except for a few implausibilities in respect of distances between some of the places and a few irrelevant flashbacks, and would rate it 3.5 out of 5.
Though the story is very popular, it occupies a very small portion of the epic and any effort in detailing it out will be a welcome one. The author does exactly that with this novel. Keeping the major events unchanged, he fleshes out each of those events with his own set of spies working for either side chasing each other in their effort to make their masters succeed in their respective quests. He also recounts some important episodes from the epic, some well known and some obscure, through flashbacks.
I found it a breezy read, except for a few implausibilities in respect of distances between some of the places and a few irrelevant flashbacks, and would rate it 3.5 out of 5.
March 22, 2018
One of the best books I've read this year! There was never a slow moment in the book. A must read and highly recommended book for everyone!
March 7, 2017
You know one part of mahabharat where Pandavs have to hide themselves for 1 yr. This book highlight that 1 yr. in detail with super narration.
February 12, 2018
Evading The Shadows by Rajesh M Iyer
My first mythological fiction. I have wanted to read a mythological fiction for some time now. The Palace Of Illusions was on my TBR for so long. Since it is very costly, I am waiting for the price drop. So, downloaded Evading The Shadows quickly after reading a review from a beloved reading group(FB) and I’m happy for that. I imagined old movies like “Sri Krishna Paandveeyam”(Telugu), which were my sole knowledge of Mahabharatha/Ramayana while reading the book. Even though I didn’t remember the whole movie I just imagined the scenes from the book in black and white.
The plot was set during the one year ‘agyatvas’(incognito stay) of Pandavs. Having lost everything in the game of dice with Duryodhan the Pandav brothers along with Draupadi were banished to the forest for thirteen years. Incognito stay was the condition for the thirteenth year. If the Kauravs found the Pandavs during the agyatavas the 13 year exile repeats. So basically this was a cat and mouse chase where cat would like to find mouse while the mouse tries hard to hide from the cat. After searching different kingdoms all of them(the Pandavs and Draupadi) settled in the Matsya kingdom in disguise. Hundreds of spies were employed by Duryodhan and Shakuni to trace Pandavs, while the Pandavs’ spies(by Krishna) help them accordingly. I liked how the author narrated some stories of Pandavs and Draupadi from their past.
The language was smooth despite some editing mistakes(very few).
I’m going to watch “Sri Krishna Paandaveeyam” now 🙂
My first mythological fiction. I have wanted to read a mythological fiction for some time now. The Palace Of Illusions was on my TBR for so long. Since it is very costly, I am waiting for the price drop. So, downloaded Evading The Shadows quickly after reading a review from a beloved reading group(FB) and I’m happy for that. I imagined old movies like “Sri Krishna Paandveeyam”(Telugu), which were my sole knowledge of Mahabharatha/Ramayana while reading the book. Even though I didn’t remember the whole movie I just imagined the scenes from the book in black and white.
The plot was set during the one year ‘agyatvas’(incognito stay) of Pandavs. Having lost everything in the game of dice with Duryodhan the Pandav brothers along with Draupadi were banished to the forest for thirteen years. Incognito stay was the condition for the thirteenth year. If the Kauravs found the Pandavs during the agyatavas the 13 year exile repeats. So basically this was a cat and mouse chase where cat would like to find mouse while the mouse tries hard to hide from the cat. After searching different kingdoms all of them(the Pandavs and Draupadi) settled in the Matsya kingdom in disguise. Hundreds of spies were employed by Duryodhan and Shakuni to trace Pandavs, while the Pandavs’ spies(by Krishna) help them accordingly. I liked how the author narrated some stories of Pandavs and Draupadi from their past.
The language was smooth despite some editing mistakes(very few).
I’m going to watch “Sri Krishna Paandaveeyam” now 🙂
February 4, 2018
"Evading the Shadows: A fictional spy thriller set during the Mahabharata" is the story of the 5 Pandava brothers and their wife Draupadi during the 1 year of Agyatvaas (incognito living). Whatever little knowledge I have of Mahabharat is from the B. R Chopra's Mega T.V serial telecasted in Indian Channels in the late 1980s. Therefore, it was interesting to read the author's imagination on what the Pandavas would have gone through during the period of Agyatvaas.
The author also had brought out some very interesting short stories of the Pandava brothers and Panchali during the narration of the lives during the incognito living. All the short stories are woven very well in the main narration, especially the story of Sahadev (i.e. how he got the power of seeing one's past, present and future). Similarly, the episode of Draupadi's interaction with Satyabhama, where Satyabhama asks Draupadi how she handles 5 husbands is an appealing story. What I felt missing in the book was the description about Nakul. It would have been if the author could have written something about Nakul's past stories too.
The author also had brought out some very interesting short stories of the Pandava brothers and Panchali during the narration of the lives during the incognito living. All the short stories are woven very well in the main narration, especially the story of Sahadev (i.e. how he got the power of seeing one's past, present and future). Similarly, the episode of Draupadi's interaction with Satyabhama, where Satyabhama asks Draupadi how she handles 5 husbands is an appealing story. What I felt missing in the book was the description about Nakul. It would have been if the author could have written something about Nakul's past stories too.
August 10, 2016
Fast-paced, intriguing, and interesting!
I enjoyed the familiarity of the stories I've either heard or read woven into the curiosity of this spy thriller. During the course of the story, one comes across many one line observations that command a deep thought.Specifically,I re-read and nodded in appreciation at all that is written about Lord Krishna.
A piece of history served with dollops of imagination, a must-read in the Indian Spy-thriller genre!
I enjoyed the familiarity of the stories I've either heard or read woven into the curiosity of this spy thriller. During the course of the story, one comes across many one line observations that command a deep thought.Specifically,I re-read and nodded in appreciation at all that is written about Lord Krishna.
A piece of history served with dollops of imagination, a must-read in the Indian Spy-thriller genre!
July 8, 2024
Detailed review here https://www.anuradhagoyal.com/evading...
November 3, 2020
Mahabharata is a treasure trove of stories and anecdotes relating to the myriad characters that forms one of the greatest epic in Indian history. The enormity of this epic is beyond words. It never fails the writers as well as readers with the various perspectives it opens up each time you try to analyse it.
.
Agyatvasa, which was the 13th year of the Pandavas stay, away from the comforts of the palace is one of the most intriguing episodes in the epic. The Pandavas had to stay undercover and if identified by the Kauravas, they would have to continue staying in the forest for another 12 years.
.
Evading the Shadows is a fictional work woven around the Agyatvasa of the Pandavas in the Matsya Kingdom. It is a narrative of how the Pandavas hid their identities and the Kauravas continued their efforts to uncover them.
.
The book has the impeccable storytelling style of the author which keeps the readers engrossed. Though a 300+ pages book, it was a quick read because of the pace and interesting plot. The writing style, though contemporary yet keeps the essence of the epic intact.
.
I highly recommend this book to readers interested in mythological fiction !!
.
Agyatvasa, which was the 13th year of the Pandavas stay, away from the comforts of the palace is one of the most intriguing episodes in the epic. The Pandavas had to stay undercover and if identified by the Kauravas, they would have to continue staying in the forest for another 12 years.
.
Evading the Shadows is a fictional work woven around the Agyatvasa of the Pandavas in the Matsya Kingdom. It is a narrative of how the Pandavas hid their identities and the Kauravas continued their efforts to uncover them.
.
The book has the impeccable storytelling style of the author which keeps the readers engrossed. Though a 300+ pages book, it was a quick read because of the pace and interesting plot. The writing style, though contemporary yet keeps the essence of the epic intact.
.
I highly recommend this book to readers interested in mythological fiction !!
March 24, 2021
Evading the Shadows here is my book review
Book Tittle : EVADING THE SHADOWS BY Rajesh M Iyer
Book Review : Evading the shadows is good book to read .
It is thriller story as it is based on a episode on Mahabharata .
The author has written or rather retold in very ethnic way .
Though the retelling of an episode from an epic is some what difficult in a written format but Rajesh M Iyer has written it very well by using lucid language for all of us to understand ..
I want all of us to read this book .. especially children for they will know what a good book reading means.
This book is beyond the scholastic books.
Overall for me the book is beyond 5 star ratings.
I will give million stars ratings for this book.
Do grab this book now.
🇨🇮 jai Hind
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐🌟🌟🌟🌟🙏🙏🙏🏽🙏🏽⭐⭐⭐⭐🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐💟💟💟💟💟💟💟💟⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐💟💟💟💟
Book Tittle : EVADING THE SHADOWS BY Rajesh M Iyer
Book Review : Evading the shadows is good book to read .
It is thriller story as it is based on a episode on Mahabharata .
The author has written or rather retold in very ethnic way .
Though the retelling of an episode from an epic is some what difficult in a written format but Rajesh M Iyer has written it very well by using lucid language for all of us to understand ..
I want all of us to read this book .. especially children for they will know what a good book reading means.
This book is beyond the scholastic books.
Overall for me the book is beyond 5 star ratings.
I will give million stars ratings for this book.
Do grab this book now.
🇨🇮 jai Hind
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐🌟🌟🌟🌟🙏🙏🙏🏽🙏🏽⭐⭐⭐⭐🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐💟💟💟💟💟💟💟💟⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐💟💟💟💟
April 20, 2018
This book stands top of list in terms of fiction based on our puranas. Why i liked this book so much is no imaginative or re-positioning the stories we know from our puranas, but just filling the gaps which we might not have considered in detail.
For example this book just deals with agyatavas period of pandavas. The remaining stories are just like how we have grown up listening to. Apart from only 1 instance (which i am not sure if thats how the puranas are written [where kanak and team joins the war with virata raja. virata raja is captured and is released by vallabh]) everything helps natural reading for me.
the mention of relation-ship between krishna and krishnaa (draupadi) is wonderful.
For example this book just deals with agyatavas period of pandavas. The remaining stories are just like how we have grown up listening to. Apart from only 1 instance (which i am not sure if thats how the puranas are written [where kanak and team joins the war with virata raja. virata raja is captured and is released by vallabh]) everything helps natural reading for me.
the mention of relation-ship between krishna and krishnaa (draupadi) is wonderful.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews